Comment submitted by Jane Laping
AnonymousOpposeIndividual
Summary: The commenter opposes the proposed rule because it would allow for the waiving of safety rules for coal ash ponds and remove regulations on dry coal ash dumps. They argue that strong federal regulations are necessary to prevent coal ash contamination of groundwater, drinking water, and farmland.
I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed changes to the Environmental Protection Agency rule entitled “Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Legacy/CCRMU Amendments” (Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OLEM-2020-0107).
The proposed rule would allow regulators to waive existing rules that require coal ash ponds to close safely — protections meant to prevent water contamination and keep communities safe. It would also remove all regulations on dry coal ash dumps, despite the fact that these sites are known to be contaminating groundwater. Strong federal regulations are needed to protect groundwater, drinking water, farm land, and construction from coal ash contamination that can harm residents' health.